News

OrthodoxJobs.com – new and improved website for the job seeker and employer

Boston, MA – August 8, 2011 - The Department of Internet Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and the Office of Vocation & Ministry of Hellenic College are pleased to announce the launch of the redesigned and updated web site www.OrthodoxJobs.com. Developed to serve Christian and service-oriented industries, especially Orthodox agencies, schools, and ministries, the improved site is now enhanced with resume and job search features. All job posting services for employers and job searching services for job seekers are free.

With this major update, employers can create instant online applications and pre-screening questionnaires, manage potential applicants and job posting statistics, and utilize other enhanced tools. Job seekers can post resumes, which are fully searchable by employers, and can be instantly updated online.

A new classifieds feature of the site provides networking capabilities with business to business directory-style advertising of products and services. For just $99 per year, independent contractors to general businesses can advertise their specific products and services on the site. OrthodoxJobs.com provides any business—photographer, iconographer, graphic designer, chanter, etc.—with a searchable and targeted advertising opportunity on a local, regional, and national level.

The Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve (FOCUS) has partnered with The Men's Wearhouse during the clothing chain's fourth annual National Suit Drive. The Drive collects gently used business attire to help disadvantaged job seekers in need of a wardrobe upgrade, and the theme this year is, "help others find their strong suit."

Items collected in the drive include both men and women’s suits, shirts, jackets, ties, belts, and shoes.

FOCUS ReEngage Director Rodney Knott, who leads a twelve week course for men, said. “Working with the men who participate in our Man Class has helped me understand the struggles they encounter as they try to reestablish their lives in this slow economy. The great thing about this opportunity is that it shows these men that there are people who still believe in them and are willing to give them a hand up when they are down.”

Knott says the suits will help the men in his classes "...with a fresh start and the ability to go into an interview feeling confident and well equipped to put into practice their new skills."

Eighty year old Ethiopian woman cradles her grandson (photo: IRIN/George Mulala)Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — As more than 120,000 people fleeing famine in Somalia crowd into the Dollo Ado refugee camps in Ethiopia, the lack of adequate sanitation is creating a breeding ground for measles, cholera, and other diseases. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) in cooperation with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC) is taking action to improve sanitation conditions and help avert the spread of disease among the refugees.

Working with local healthcare agencies, IOCC is providing the materials needed to build some 50 latrines in the refugee camps and is on site overseeing this vital preventive health activity. IOCC Ethiopia Country Representative, Sigurd Hanson, says that the current camp conditions are ripe for an epidemic. "The high number of malnourished children due to the ongoing famine makes them more vulnerable to contagious diseases like measles and cholera," says Hanson. "Add to that overcrowded settlements with poor sanitation and limited access to safe water. Basic sanitation facilities can make a world of difference in protecting these already fragile lives."

Goarch.org announces: "The Daily Readings App on your mobile device is the easiest way to access the day's Bible readings prescribed by the Lectionary of the Greek Orthodox Church. The Daily Readings App also lets you read the lives of the saints or look up fasting guidelines for each day right on your device.

Developed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Internet Ministries, there is no better way to carry the Church's prescribed Scripture and devotional reading with you at all times. The Daily Readings App follows the typicon and lectionary of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Available Devices include the iPhone and iPod Touch, Android and Nokia, and more devices are coming soon!"

The Society for Orthodox Christian History in the Americas (SOCHA) is pleased to announce a new, affiliated academic publication, the Journal of American Orthodox Church History (JAOCH). JAOCH consists of articles, book reviews, and translations of historically significant texts, is peer reviewed by established scholars within the field, and published electronically annually. The first edition is available through Prairie Parish Press and the cost is $10 per issue. Forthcoming articles for volume 2 in 2012 will include essays developed from the papers at this year’s symposium at Princeton Theological Seminary. More information, including the table of contents and an introduction to the first issue, may be found on the website of Prairie Parish Press.

It is with extreme sadness that we inform you that our beloved brother in Christ, Father Michael Lewis, Pastor of St. Luke Church in Garden Grove, California, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, August 15, 2011. His Grace, Bishop Joseph has asked the parishes to remember him in your prayers for the departed for the next 40 days and to hold a special Trisagion for his eternal life. May God receive him in His Heavenly Kingdom and may his memory be eternal.

CrossRoad, 2011--June SessionBrookline, MA ––August 9, 2011— While many college campuses experience a calm and quiet summer, Hellenic College once again bustled with activity as the Office of Vocation & Ministry (OVM) welcomed high school juniors and seniors to its CrossRoad summer institute, now in its eighth year. The OVM greeted 60 high school juniors and seniors from 29 states as well as Canada and the Bahamas. Due to overwhelming interest from Orthodox youth and the generosity of several benefactors, this summer the program continued to offer two sessions. Beginning in 2004, CrossRoad has inspired hundreds of Orthodox youth to grow in their faith, explore their strengths, engage in serving others, and discover how their gifts and talents can serve the needs of Church and society.

The 2011 CrossRoad Summer Institute, directed by Mary Long, combined the greatest offerings of Hellenic College and Holy Cross: faculty instruction, an enthusiastic staff of graduate students, a beautiful campus overlooking Boston, and the exciting city of Boston itself. Students visited historic Faneuil Hall, the New England shore at Manchester-by-the-Sea, and cruised Boston harbor on a Duck Tour. The high school students enjoyed these fun and cultural activities, but found the unique elements of the program the most valuable: the daily classes with theological faculty, evening visits to attend vespers at neighboring Orthodox parishes in the Boston area, and putting their learning into practice by participating in two service activities during the last stage of the program.

Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — More than 10,000 children and their parents in the Gaza Strip will soon have better access to reliable food sources through a new program launched by International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). IOCC was awarded $3.75 million to assist 1,400 selected households start and maintain family gardens, or to raise fish or small livestock such as chickens and rabbits. The award was made by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Mercy Corps as part of a larger initiative in the Gaza Strip.

Sam Dunlap, country representative for IOCC Jerusalem, says these activities build on IOCC's current activities in the Gaza Strip, in which IOCC is rehabilitating greenhouses, digging water catchments and providing water irrigation systems. "Ideally, this chain of activities will produce a surplus of food for the families' needs, and ultimately develop into extra sources of income that will allow them to flourish."

Fr. Constantine Nasr with his Church history timelineThe August 6, 2011 Religion section of NewsOK published a profile of retiring priest Fr. Constantine Nasr written by reporter Carla Hinton. Hinton explains in the feature post that Fr. Constantine and Kh. Sharon have served the community of St. Elijah for 29 years, and Father will preach his last homily on August 14.

Assistant Priest Fr. Jeremy Davis is quoted as saying, “In terms of his legacy, he is the longest-serving priest at St. Elijah in its history....When he came here 29 years ago, the parish was divided, there were financial problems, lots of angst and turmoil. Now he leaves the parish in place of peace and harmony, in good standing.”

The article explains that Fr. Constantine has been noted for his ministry of developing young men for the ministry. Hinton writes, "...he saw St. Elijah's as a sort of training center because so many students and seminarians made their way there over the years in search of guidance and fellowship." Considered a hub for evangelism and outreach, the parish-under Fr. Constantine's leadership-spearheaded a 2009 pan-Orthodox evangelistic effort in the Oklahoma City area, "Discover Original Christianity."

The article concludes, "Nasr said he is excited about discovering the new ways the Lord will use him after he leaves the pastoral ministry. He said his excitement stems from his observation that numerous people are being drawn to the Orthodox Christian Church these days."

In the Horn of Africa, the situation is getting worse each day for families who are suffering through the region's worst drought in 60 years. In Somalia, the United Nations has declared a famine – the first time it has made such a declaration in nearly 30 years. Tens of thousands have already died and many more are at risk.

IOCC staff are on the ground in Ethiopia to assist families in immediate need of food assistance and are working to expand critical relief efforts to address the food crisis. Working with Orthodox Christian and ecumenical partners, IOCC is addressing the needs of people in remote areas of Southern Ethiopia, including Somali refugees who are arriving daily.

We need your help to provide life-saving support for these families.

Please keep the people in the Horn of Africa in your prayers and respond by clicking here to make a donation to help the victims of disasters around the world, like those in Horn of Africa, by making a financial gift to the IOCC International Emergency Response Fund. Or, call toll free at 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0225 and designate International Emergency Response Fund.

It’s not too late to sign up for Classical Greek and Latin classes at the Classical Learning Resource Center. Several classes only have one or two spots left but as of today all of our classes remain open for registration. If you’ve been thinking about learning, or providing the opportunity for your children to learn, Classical Greek or Latin you can still begin this fall. Take a look at the CLRC website and let us know how we can help.

Additional Greek 1 Class Open:

We’re very please to announce that, due to increased interest in our Classical Greek classes, we’ve opened a new section of our introductory Greek class. There are now two Greek 1 classes to choose from – one on Mondays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Pacific) and the second on Thursdays from 5:00 – 700 p.m. (Pacific).

Latin for Elementary School Children:

And don’t forget that, in addition to our popular classes for middle school and high school students and adults, CLRC teaches Latin classes to elementary aged children as well. We strongly encourage parents to begin Latin instruction in the elementary school years. Young children have a tremendous capacity for language learning and the introduction to Classical Latin at a young age establishes an ideal foundation for later language learning, comprehension of English grammar, and expansion of vocabulary.

Holy Martyrs Cosmas and Damian, Patron Saints of OCAMPRThe Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion has announced the theme of their annual conference, "The Science of Theology and Conception." A distinguished panel of speakers including Orthodox scientists and theologians, will be examining the modern science of conception and its implications for Orthodox Christians in light of the teachings of the historic Church.

OCAMPR President, Dr. Michael Christakis, explained in a letter to priests and mental health professionals, "We have, for the past three years, been revamping and reviving the Association after a period of relative inactivity. We are redefining our mission and will be amending our Charter to reflect that at this year’s annual conference." Among other things, OCAMPR has recruited an advisory board of notable Orthodox leaders: Bishop Michael of the OCA, Mother Gabriella (of the Holy Dormition Monastery in MI), Fr. John Breck, Fr. John Abdallah, Dr. Stephen Muse, Fr. Alexander Veronis, Dr. Julianna Orr-Weaver and Fr. Peter Gillquist.

Interested participants are encouraged to contact OCAMPR for more information.

The annual conference of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship is being held in Madison, WI, September 16-18. The theme is "Forgiveness-Finding Wholeness Again," and one of the speakers is Fr. George Morelli, PhD, the Chairman of the Department of Chaplaincy and Pastoral Counseling Ministry of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

The conference planners would like the general public to know that if a difficult economic situation is preventing anyone from attending, the hosts may be able to defray the costs for those who are out of work or have experienced a decline in income. As always, non-members and non-Orthodox are invited to attend.

It is with extreme sadness that we inform you that our beloved brother in Christ, Father Basil Steiger from Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Ben Lomond, California, fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, July 24, 2011. His Grace, Bishop Joseph has asked the parishes to remember him in your prayers for the departed for the next 40 days and to hold a special Trisagion for his eternal life. May God receive him in His Heavenly Kingdom and may his memory be eternal.

Conciliar Press has released a book on evangelism by Antiochian mission priest Fr. Michael Keiser, called Spread the Word. Subtitled Reclaiming the Apostolic Tradition of Evangelism, the book explains how Orthodox evangelism differs from the Protestant approach, and traces the Church's unbroken evangelistic tradition back to the time of the Apostles. Fr. Michael has also authored two other popular Conciliar titles, A Beginner's Guide to Spirituality, and A Beginner's Guide to Prayer.

"With his characteristic straight forward and humorous style, Fr. Michael Keiser covers the history of Orthodox evangelism, the rationale and the methods for continuing this tradition in our contemporary Western post-Christian society," says Conciliar's website. Listen to an interview with the author here, and go here to order a copy.

Santa Barbara, CA — Last month the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese Department of Missions and Evangelism announced a contest to write the best 30-second or less explanation of what the Orthodox Church is, essentially an Orthodox “elevator speech. Response to the contest was superb, a panel of judges have selected the top ten finalists, and the Orthodox Christian public is asked to choose the winner by Internet poll.

To view the ten finalists and caste your vote for the “Best Orthodox Christian Elevator Speech” visit this Survey Monkey link before 7:00pm EDT on next Tuesday, July 26. The winner will be announced at the 50th Biennial Antiochian Archdiocese Convention in Chicago next week, and he or she will receive $100 worth of Conciliar Press publications as a prize.

St. Moses the BlackDETROIT - The Brotherhood of St. Moses the Black (BSMB), a national organization of African-American Orthodox Christians, will conduct its 18th annual Ancient Christianity and African-American Conference Aug. 26-28 at Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, 36075 W. Seven Mile Road, Livonia.

The conference will be hosted by the Detroit Metro Chapter of the BSMB. The theme of the conference is "The Ancient Faith for Modern Problems." The Rt. Rev. Matthias (Moriak), Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America, will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers are:

The Very Rev. Moses Berry, pastor of Theotokos "Unexpected Joy" Orthodox Church in Ash Grove, Ark., and founder and president of the BSMB;

The Very Rev. John Finley, a mission priest of the Department of Missions and Evangelism of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America;

The Rev. Paisius Altschul, pastor of St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Kansas City, Mo., co-founder and executive director of Reconciliation Services there, and a developer of FOCUS (Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve);

Fr. Patrick Henry ReardonDuring the upcoming Archdiocese Convention in Chicago, the Department of Western Rite (Western Rite Vicariate) will offer a special presentation for all by the V. Rev. Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon on Wednesday, July 27.

Under the theme “What Benefits Does Western Orthodoxy Offer Eastern Orthodoxy,” Father Patrick will talk about “Christ as Mediator.” Following his presentation, there will be opportunity to ask questions related to his presentation.

Father Patrick’s presentation will begin at 10:45 a.m. and conclude by 12:30 p.m.

Parish priests attending the convention, along with lay delegates and guests, are invited to attend this session.

Following Fr Patrick’s presentation, the priests serving Western Rite parishes will gather for a closed session for a discussion with the Vicar General.

When I was young, I found a book about the Holy Land; the images of the holy sites fascinated me—Bethlehem, Golgotha, Cana—these were the places where Jesus walked and lived! He was real!

Images of all sorts surround us today. If your children text, tweet, and Facebook, they live in a world of distraction—is Jesus even on their radar? Let’s get back to basics—our faith, and our life itself, rests in a person who lived 2,000 years ago and lives still. Donate a poster to your church school and begin to surround the children with images that remind them of the reality of Jesus!

The Department of Christian Education plans to offer a few posters each summer for homes, classrooms, church hallways, and offices. A limited amount has been printed. They are available for a donation of $5, and come safely to you in a mailing tube. The smaller poster photo prints will be sent in a cardboard mailing envelope. Please print out the order form and send a check to the Antiochian Department of Christian Education. The address is on the form.

Douglas writes, "Increasing the reach of an organization’s online presence depends on the good will of those parties who are also online, and support the vision of the organization. As Archdiocese online resources continue to mature, it will be essential to cultivate awareness and support from Orthodox Christian ministries, parishes, pastors, and other online content creators across jurisdictions, in order to leverage the social capabilities of the Internet, and the social command of the Gospel."

Niko Touloumes was planning on using some of his summer break to do a service project, but he never thought the project would change his perspective on those in need.

Touloumes was one of 18 youth from Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Pittsburgh who participated in the June Appalachia service trip, a ministry of FOCUS North America. The group of middle school and high school students were joined by six adult leaders.

The goal of these short term ministry trips is to build a sense of service and community by providing an opportunity for church groups to travel together, work together, serve together and grow together. Projects include home repair, landscaping, and various domestic projects for the poor living in the heart of the Appalachian region. In some parts of the Appalachian region of NC where the FOCUS NA teams serve there is an almost 20% unemployment rate.

“I was expecting to come down and help people, not necessarily interact with them,” Touloumes said. “But I came here and found out why they’re in these situations.”

The teens and their adult leaders worked hard and always had a great attitude as they worked on graveling a driveway, painting a garage, removing a rotting deck, painting the interior of a house, moving heavy furniture and various landscaping projects.

The working poor families served by these groups are always very grateful for the help, Niko Petrogeorge, FOCUS North America ministry team intern, said.

“We painted the inside of an elderly couple’s home,” Petrogeorge said. “Mr. Upright was very appreciative of our work and wanted to help us." We got him started on something he wouldn’t have been able to do on his own and provided the resources and materials for the project.”

The Orthodox Church in America has launched a new design for its website, Oca.org. The jurisdiction's web team, hired in January, enlisted the services of Simple Focus, a Memphis-based design firm. The site's developer, Fr. John Schroedel of Inoa Technologies, serves as the Web Manager for Ancient Faith Radio and Conciliar Media Ministries and is an OCA priest.

The project spanned a full year, beginning with a due diligence period and culminating in the launch on July 11.

Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — As more than ten million men, women and children face hunger and life-threatening health consequences from the worst drought to hit the Horn of Africa in 60 years, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is responding with aid to relieve victims of the worst food shortage crisis in the world today. Working in cooperation with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Development and Inter Church Aid Commission (EOC-DICAC) and partner agency International Medical Corps (IMC), IOCC is delivering financial support to help alleviate the emergency needs of Somali refugees in southern camps of Ethiopia.

The initial IOCC relief will support healthcare responders assessing the immediate and basic health, nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene needs of the refugees, and support their efforts to provide emergency assistance such as distribution of food and water, therapeutic feeding programs for the severely malnourished, construction of latrines, and coordination of other hygiene activities to prevent spread of disease in such overcrowded conditions.

Proceedings Books from ISOCM ConferencesJOENSUU, FINLAND [ISOCM] -- The International Society for Orthodox Church Music is pleased to announce that its new on-line publication, the Journal of the International Society for Orthodox Church Music, is accepting submissions for publication.

The first issue will be available as a PDF download on the ISOCM site in Spring 2012.

The ISOCM was founded with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Leo of Karelia and all Finland by an international group of musicians and scholars after the First International Conference on Orthodox Church Music, “The Traditions of Orthodox Music”, held at the University of Joensuu in University of Joensuu in June 2005. Members of the ISOCM are found around the world and in a variety of positions related to Orthodox Church music.

The ISOCM is delighted that Professors Hilkka Seppälä (University of Eastern Finland), and Christian Troelsgaard (University of Copenhagen), distinguished scholars in the field of Orthodox Church music, have agreed to be members of the Board of Honour.